What Causes Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches, known as diverticula, form in the digestive tract and cause inflammation and infection. When this happens, common symptoms may include:
- Abdominal and stomach pain
- Difficult digestion
- Loss of appetite
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Along with advanced age, a low-fiber diet is believed to be the driving force for this condition. As you age, the lining of your digestive system can weaken. Without the necessary fiber in your diet, the colon is forced to work harder. This pressure can cause diverticula to develop in weak spots in the colon’s lining. When these small sacs become inflamed or perforated, it can be quite painful.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
By relieving pressure in the intestine, laparoscopic surgery can significantly alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with colon conditions. Overall, effective surgical treatment can greatly enhance your quality of life. Laparoscopic colon surgery offers many benefits over traditional open surgeries, including:
- Minimized trauma to surrounding tissue, like sensitive nerve endings
- Less blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Reduced pain and discomfort, and as a result, less anesthesia
- Faster return of bowel function
- Less scarring and chance of infection at the incision site
- Overall, reduced risk of post-operative complications
In certain cases of advanced colon conditions, the use of robotic-assisted surgery can be especially beneficial to the patient. Our doctors are among the pioneers of this exciting surgical development. Robotic-assisted surgery is a laparoscopic technique that uses an advanced console and mechanical arms to improve the surgeon's precision and range of motion. Because the arms of the robot can make much more complex and small movements than the human wrist, this type of surgery can improve surgical outcome in a number of ways.
Schedule an Appointment
Living with a colon condition can be extremely frustrating, but our treatment can restore your health quickly with a reduced recovery time. Our entire staff is committed to providing patients with the highest level of care available, and your health and safety are our top priorities. To learn more about whether your colon condition can be treated using laparoscopic surgery, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today.
